After leading the turnaround of an Illinois football team that registered a 2-10 season in 2006, head coach Ron Zook has received yet another accolade following a 9-4 season and a trip to the Rose Bowl. Zook was presented the Schutt Sports and American Football Monthly Coach of the Year award.

Illinois appeared in a bowl game for the first time since 2001 and had not played in the Rose Bowl since 1984. This is the third award Zook has garnered following the 2007 season. Zook was also named Liberty Mutual National Coach of the Year and Big Ten Coach of the Year.